Drug Treatment Programs Right Choice for Clients With Dual Diagnosis

It’s not uncommon for someone who needs treatment for a substance abuse issue to also be living with a mental illness as well. When a person is dealing with both issues concurrently, this situation is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Dealing with a loved one who has become addicted to drugs is challenging for any family, but when the additional stress of a mental health disorder is added to the situation, it becomes even more strained.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Both of these issues cause symptoms that can make it challenging for a person to cope with everyday life.

  • Someone may start using drugs to control the symptoms of his or her mental illness.
  • Self-medication can make mental illness more difficult to diagnose correctly.
  • Even if the mental illness is diagnosed appropriately, continued drug use may interact with medications used to treat it. Some medications are rendered less effective when combined with other drugs.
  • Side effects from the substance abuse can make the mental health issues more pronounced and harder to treat over time. It’s difficult to tell which symptoms are attributable to the addiction and which ones are part of the mental illness.

Get Appropriate Treatment for Both Concerns

Treating a client with a dual diagnosis is a special situation. Drug treatment programs that accept clients who have these types of needs are staffed by counselors and therapists who have the training necessary to treat the addiction and the mental health concern.

A client will need to be carefully evaluated to confirm the dual diagnosis. If necessary, he or she will need to undergo a detoxification process (detox) to rid themselves of all drugs before appropriate treatment for each condition can begin. Going away to a drug treatment center tucked in the California Mountains gives clients the opportunity to focus on coming to terms with their diagnosis (perhaps for the first time) and on healing.

Live Life Well After Being Diagnosed with a Mental Illness

It is possible to live well with a mental illness. Part of the treatment will include learning about the disorder and understanding what it means for the client’s everyday life. The treatment program for addiction will include healthy sober activities, including hiking, meditating, and exercise classes. Some instruction in healthy eating will also be provided; getting well means nurturing the physical body while working on the emotional and spiritual aspects of recovery.

Whether the mental health concern is anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or another mental illness, getting the right treatment for a dual diagnosis starts with a proper diagnosis. The addiction can get in the way of people getting the right help for their concerns. Finding a drug treatment center with staff who understand the unique needs of dual diagnosis clients is essential for healing and recovery to take place.

If you suffer from addiction and think you might have a dual diagnosis, contact Above It All Treatment online, or call us at 1-888-997-3006.

Alcohol And Drug Treatment Programs Include Aftercare For Clients

Treating people who have substance abuse issues involves several stages, and it’s not something that can be rushed. Addiction is a complicated disease that takes time to treat successfully. It affects alcoholics and drug addicts and their families, and the hurt it leaves in its path can cut very deeply.

If you are concerned about a loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, don’t ignore the problem. The longer you wait to get him or her into treatment, the more time you will allow the addiction to take hold. You are dealing with a chronic, life-threatening illness, and the best thing you can do for the person you care for is to do your homework to find alcohol and drug rehab centers that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield or will work with your insurance so that you can get your loved one into treatment as soon as possible.

Sober Living At Above it All

Types of Treatment Available for Addicts

There are a number of different types of treatment options available for clients who need substance abuse services. There is no “one size fits all” service that fits everyone who needs help. Instead, programs are developed to meet the individual needs of each client. Here are some examples of what is available:

Dual Diagnosis

Many people who are struggling with addiction are also dealing with mental health issues. Both conditions require professional, caring treatment.

Short-term Treatment

Not all clients are able to go to a treatment facility for a long-term program. In some cases, treatment can be offered over a 14-28 day period.

Long-term Treatment

Committing to a 90-day alcohol or drug rehab program provides the highest chance of success. It gives clients the time they need to examine why they turned to drugs or alcohol and allows them to develop strategies for resisting triggers that will tempt them to use again.

Family Support

Addiction is a family problem. It harms relationships within the entire family, not just for the person struggling with substance abuse issues. Counseling sessions for family members gives them a safe place where they can sort out their feelings in a nonjudgmental atmosphere.

Aftercare at a Sober Living House

Once the addiction treatment program has been completed, your loved one will not be left to go back home on his or her own. Many people simply don’t feel ready to go back to their “regular” life without a transition period and some further support. Spending some time at a sober living house helps to bridge the gap between being in a treatment facility and independent living. There are no time limits for moving out of the sober living house; each client can take as much time as he or she needs.

To find out more about the treatment programs offered by the Above It All Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center, call us now to speak with an addiction treatment counselor.

Dual Diagnosis: Get Help for the Vicious Circle of Addiction and Mental Illness

If you or a loved one are living with a mental health issue and are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the term used to describe the situation is “dual diagnosis.” The good news is that the situation is far from hopeless. Recovery is possible, but each problem must be addressed appropriately at an addiction treatment center staffed by people with experience at dealing with this type of situation.

Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

Some people who are mentally ill start using drugs or alcohol to control how they feel. Drinking or using drugs may make them feel calmer or happier. Over time, the self-medication turns into an addiction to drugs or alcohol. In some instances, the addiction leads to symptoms of a mental illness, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or hallucinations.

Trying to determine which came first is not all that helpful. If two issues are present, both of them need to be treated. It does take time to recover, but with the right help and support, this is a realistic goal.

 Residential Treatment Centers for Dual Diagnosis

The first step in treating dual diagnosis is to break free from the hold of the drugs or alcohol. This process is known as going through detox. The advantage of going through it in a residential center for treatment drugs or alcohol is that a client’s condition can be carefully monitored throughout the process by qualified medical personnel.

This is the part of the program that you or your loved one may be most reluctant to undertake. You certainly don’t have to look very far to find terrifying accounts of what going through withdrawal is like. At a treatment facility offering a supervised medical detox program, every consideration is made to make clients feel comfortable during this initial phase of treatment.

After this phase is completed, clients at Above It All Treatment Center get help from a 12-Step program as well as supportive therapy for their mental health issues. This two-pronged approach to treatment is the best approach for dealing with a dual diagnosis. The substance abuse issue does not exist in a vacuum. Unless the mental health problem is treated appropriately, the same behaviors will repeat themselves.

The experts at the treatment center can diagnose and recommend a course of treatment that will address both issues. In the case of a dual diagnosis, it may include medication to treat the mental health issue so that you or your loved one don’t turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate to deal with feelings of anxiety, depression or other symptoms that can be treated more appropriately under a doctor’s care.

Don’t wait one more day to start on the road to recovery from a dual diagnosis when help is available now. To learn if affordable rehab is right for you, call for a free assessment today.

How To Handle A Dual Diagnosis

A very simple definition of dual diagnosis is a person who not only suffers from drug or alcohol addiction but also has a mental or emotional disorder. Examples of these include bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, clinical depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

When a dual diagnosis exists, it may affect a person who is in or needs rehabilitation. This can be especially true if the drug or alcohol addiction actually seems to help the underlying mental or emotional problem.

Further, addiction treatment is sometimes implemented with no knowledge on the part of those administering the treatment that a dual diagnosis exists. This may be caused by the patient not having disclosed this, or having been able to conceal the problem from those conducting rehab programs to the fact that the underlying condition was never diagnosed in the first place.

There have been incidences when those who were in charge of rehabilitation could not figure out why rehab programs were not working. Upon further examination and consideration, however, the fact that the patient was indeed suffering from depression, bi-polar disorder, or another mental or emotional problem came to light, and the treatment program was adjusted to account for this.

In some cases, the patient may enter into rehabilitation with that fact already disclosed, and may even be on medication for the problems. As mentioned earlier, however, this is not always the case and those who operate and work at addiction treatment facilities need to be aware that there is a possibility of dual diagnosis.

Whether or not the problem is known at the beginning, once it is realized, those who come in contact with patients in drug or alcohol rehabilitation may need to be extra vigilant in how they approach the patient, especially during counseling sessions. In addition, it may be necessary to take additional steps to see that a patient is protected from injuring himself and others.

There are some addiction treatment facilities, like Above It All Treatment Center, that actually provide case managers for those diagnosed with dual diagnosis as a result of trauma during childhood or at other times. A patient in this situation is under the care of both a clinician and a case manager, who make sure that the patient has access to treatment for both his mental or emotional problem and addiction treatment. In addition, they collaborate with everyone involved in every aspect of the patient’s treatment.

Sometimes, in order to facilitate treatment, and make it easier on both the patient and care providers, efforts are made to place the patient in the care of someone who can provide both clinical treatment for the mental/emotional disorder as well as drug abuse counseling and other aspects of drug rehabilitation. This allows the patient to only have to deal with one person, and gives the care provider the opportunity to see what is happening in both areas of treatment, without having to constantly consult with other personnel. The result is a greater overall chance of success in treatment of both problems.

Fighting Depression Following Addiction

Combating depression on its own can be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Fighting depression following an addiction to drugs or alcohol can be 10x worse. A small part of you will want to pick up where you left off; another will disagree. In some ways, it’s safe to say that depression works on the human brain in similar fashion to drug use… it’s time consuming and negative. If you’re up for the good fight, you will require assistance along the way. Reading this entry is the first step.

1 – Educate yourself. Though reading this article is a wonderful step forward, the act – in and of itself – will not cure your depression. Throw yourself into the fight by learning as much as you possibly can about it. Find out how other addicts have dealt with their depression, and chose combative techniques that best suit your individual needs and situation.

2 – Know that turning to drugs will only serve in feeding the depression. Though you may experience a few moments of euphoria, the escape will be short-lived, and draining. Finding ways to address your depression without the aid of drugs or alcohol is key to ensuring a happy life to come.3 – Need help? Ask for it! While medications and pills can help combat the pain of depression, they only address a small part of the big picture. Set goals, stay positive, and communicate your worries with a trained LA drug rehab counselor. Seek support from close family and friends who hold a vested interest in your sobriety. Drug addiction is very common in our society, as is depression. Finding help to address these issues is only as difficult as you choose to make it.

4 – Expand your social life! It can be easy for recovering addicts to avoid social interaction due to fears of relapse and anxieties. If you find yourself feeling nervous in social situations, just remember that you have the ability to leave when you like. Take things one step at a time, and push yourself to encounter new people and situations. In time, you’ll find yourself happier, more involved, and eager for fun!

5 – Always remember what brought you to this point. Some people will always maintain a desire for alcohol and drugs following recovery. Accept this, and move forward with a goal to maintain sobriety while staying active. Depression cannot be hidden or outrun… it must be dealt with head-on; as with addiction. When the going gets tough, just remember to take a good deep breath, and remember that for every low point, there is an equally drastic high point waiting around the corning.

Narcotic Addiction Signs

Narcotic addiction presents itself through an array of emotional and physical symptoms and signs. Mental and emotional signs include temporary psychosis, paranoia, depression, slow speech pattern and disorientation. Common physical symptoms include increased energy, restlessness, and various types of bodily changes, such as weight loss and nose bleeds.

Physical Changes

Those addicted to narcotics are at high risk for experiencing a variety of physical changes. Weight loss is very common among narcotic users, especially those addicted to drugs like cocaine, heroin, and other types of opiates. Dental issues resulting in tooth loss can sometimes be attributed to methamphetamine addiction. Sinusitis and regular nosebleeds are often seen in addicts who snort their drugs on a routine basis. Users who smoke narcotics may often experience bronchitis bouts and coughing up blood.

Sleep and Increased Energy Issues

Restlessness, increased energy, and the inability to sleep throughout the night are common warning signs of a potential addiction to stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Excess sleep periods are yet another. Increased metabolism and blood pressure are also common in regular users, but can be much more difficult to view with the naked eye.

Paraphernalia

Though it likely goes without saying, unexplained paraphernalia such as rolling papers, pipes, and syringes left around the living space are often clear signs of addiction. The longer an individual is able to use, the more less inhibited they will become.

Impaired Mental Function

Many long-term addicts will show signs of slowed or impaired mental function. This is typically viewed as slowed or slurred sleep, confusion, and disorientation. These types of symptoms may present themselves randomly, and can be followed by periods of extreme hyperactivity.

Emotional Addiction Signs

An addiction to narcotics will often change the usual mental function and mood of the user. Heightened irritability and anger are very common symptoms among even short-term users.  Conversely, some users will become more apathetic, lethargic, depressed, or unusually relaxed. Still, other users may exhibit signs of delusion, paranoia and temporary psychosis. When addiction takes over, users often lose sight of what really matters in life – Life itself revolves around the drug.

Rationalization / Denial

Many addicts will often underestimate the affect their addiction has on them. Loss of friends, family, finances, and previous comforts will commonly go unnoticed as the drug continued to infiltrate the life of the user. Vehement denial can also be a sign of addiction. In some cases, addicts will hold onto a belief that they are not addicted and will attempt to convince friends and family members when accused.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is suffering from a narcotics addiction, our Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Call us today, and let our team of rehabilitation counselors place you back on track towards the happy, sober, and fulfilling lifestyle you deserve.

So You Had A Relapse….

Nobody ever said that recovery was an easy process. Though the notion of “not doing” something appears a simple goal, the reality behind drug and alcohol abstinence is unfortunately far more complex. If you’ve hit a bump in your recovery road, you may be wondering where your options lie, and where to turn. In this entry we will provide you with some basic instructions to help get you pointed back in the right direction.

Know that bouncing back from a relapse is no walk in the park. You’ll need to look at what triggered the relapse to occur in order to help you back onto your recovery plan ASAP. Play little mind to the shame, negativity, guilt and fear, and recommit yourself to a brighter tomorrow.

Instructions

1 – Take a long hard look at your recent relapse, taking in what lessons you can. Place a focus on what you could have done differently without beating yourself up – mistakes happen to everyone! Make a commitment to maintain sobriety for a 24-hour period, even if it means taking things by the hour.

2 – Grab a notebook and take an indicator inventory of items that may signal a potential relapse. These types of items can include anything from stress and irrational thoughts to particular behaviors or feelings. Think back to how you felt when your relapse occurred and dissect the emotions for future reference

3 – Next to each item in your indicator inventory, write out a positive coping skill to combat it. For example, if you’ve often felt the need to use following a hectic work week, make a commitment to take a jog or swim rather than succumbing to negative emotions and behaviors. By having a plan in place, you will be better equipped to deal with your emotions in a positive fashion.

4 – Recommit yourself to 12-step meetings on a daily basis to help strengthen your recovery.

5 – Obtain a list of contacts from people who are supportive of your recovery. These can be relatives, close friends, AA members, or even our Above It All addiction counselors. Make a point to call people from this list when you’re feeling the temptation to use again.

6 –Break out the notebook again and jot down a healthy list of emotional triggers. This list should be comprised of places, situations, things, and people that you associate with your addiction. As with your indicator inventory, this list will serve in helping you recognize and address trouble situations before they becomes an issue.

7 – Surround yourself with positive people who enjoy you for you! Addiction often stems from a desire to mask the person inside. Keeping the company of people who appreciate the real you will keep you empowered, confident, and on-the-ball.

Need To Talk?

If you are struggling with a recent relapse, our Above It All addiction specialists are on-hand to address your concerns. Give our LA drug rehab center a call today, and get back on track towards a fruitful, happy, and positive recovery.

Sobriety Maintenance & Relapse Prevention

Whether you’re in recovery due to alcohol or drug addiction, the road to enjoying a sober and healthy lifestyle is one that requires a fair share of commitment and discipline. Old behaviors will often tempt you, offering the potential for relapse and the negative connotations associated with its presence. In order to lower the risk of relapse, recovering addicts must employ a variety of strategies and techniques.

The Reward System

Brushing off old habits is easier said than done, especially in cases where the long-term benefits are far from view. In an effort to keep themselves from going astray, many recovering addicts adhere to a rewards system comprised of short-term goals. Example: For each week sober, reward yourself with a trip to your favorite eating establishment.

Support

Studies suggest that roughly 90% of recovering addicts who attend weekly post-care sessions, like AA, during their first year of recovery were successfully able to avoid relapse. 12 step recovery programs such as these place individuals in touch with a community of people who share the same goals and struggles. Not only will participation in these types of organizations keep you focused and determined to succeed, but gaining a sense of community outside the bar or drug scene will work to ward off regular temptations.

Avoiding Temptation

Keep away from people, areas and items that may trigger your temptations. Example: If you are recovering from alcoholism, it’s likely a good idea to avoid bars and the acquaintances who linger around them. Rather than pretend that you’re content to simply “tag along”, try seeking out other types of activities and gatherings that support your sobriety goals. Consider this an opportunity to seek out new relationships and activities while reinventing your own self-image.

Stress Maintenance

The road to relapse is often paved with a solid helping of stress. Due to the fact that most people utilize drugs and alcohol as a stress-relief tactic, it’s crucial that recovering addicts find new ways to cope. Example: Smokers who use cigarettes to relax following a rough work day often look to tobacco as a form of stress-management. As tensions will often escalate once the coping mechanism is removed, experts suggest that recovering addicts engage in routine exercise and proper diet to compensate. Additional options include yoga, the arts, and meditation. Try experimenting with some new activities and dive in to something that really gets your motor revving.

Keep in Mind:

–          Just because you’re tempted to use again, does not mean you have to

–          Avoid self-criticism – Stay optimistic!

–          If you do relapse, don’t let it consume you. Get. That. Dirt off your shoulder – focus – and get back in the game.

Our Prescription Drug Treatment Programs

Our prescription drug treatment program has been carried out on many patients throughout the years. A number of factors dictate the type of treatment required for a successful recovery; the most important of these being the type of drug on which the individual is dependent. The number of prescription medications known to result in addiction is vast, and includes sedatives, stimulants, and painkillers.

Each medication possesses a specific set of effects and side effects. With this in mind, it’s important to note that treatment must be specific to the type of drug addiction being combated. Patients who have built up an addiction to these types of substances must first be carefully evaluated and examined prior to fully committing to a long term drug rehabilitation plan.

In many ways, prescription drug treatment is quite similar to treatments used to combat other types of addiction. A large sum of the techniques used throughout our prescription program are found to be just as helpful as those utilized in heroin and oxycontin rehab plans. In most of our rehabilitation programs, the best treatment in weaning patients from prescription drug medications comes in the form of a combination of several treatment options. However, before a proper treatment plan can be determined, a proper detoxification program must be implemented

Detox is used as a way to help counter the withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced once drug consumption is halted. Different symptoms are associated with different medications, and vary in severity and intensity depending on the use history and amounts.

Additional methods used during treatment include addiction counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Both methods serve in altering exactly how the individual approaches drug issues and daily life.

Truth be told, there is only one sure-fire way to achieve a complete and successful recovery: A commitment to oneself to address the situation head on. Counselors and addiction specialists can attempt to educate patients regarding the dangers associated with their addictions, but without the proper drive and push, the risk of relapse is almost inevitable.

Best Practices – 12 Step Recovery Programs

12 step recovery programs were initially created for those suffering with an addiction to alcohol. The first incarnation, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), used the same basic ideas used in many other 12 step programs. The founders of AA found the most effective means in achieving long lasting sobriety was through sharing stories, successes and pain with other individuals going through the addiction treatment process. If you are considering 12 step programs as a way to help combat an addiction, the entry below will provide you with a few tips to help you get the most of your involvement.

Step 1 – Gather any necessary information pertaining to the meetings you will attend well in advance to avoid any obstacles that could possibly keep you from attending. While making the initial decision to attend these meetings is a wonderful step forward, addicts are not necessarily well known for their follow through. A basic online search or community yellow pages should be able to provide you with the information you require.

Step 2 – Call up a trusted friend or relative and ask them to accompany you to the meeting. Determine which meeting best suits your schedule and location, while making any necessary transportation arrangements well in advance.

Step 3 – Attend your first meeting. Though you are not required to participate, first-time attendees are encouraged to stand before the group and introduce themselves. If you find yourself uncomfortable with the meeting you have chosen, it’s never too late to select a different time or location. Locating a meeting that you are comfortable attending is key to your success within the program.  If at first you do not succeed… try, try again.

Step 4 – Once you’ve found a 12 step program addiction meeting that suits your schedule an taste, the next step is getting yourself a sponsor. Sponsors are individuals within the 12-step program who have significant amounts of sobriety time and reflect the type of recovery you are looking for. Your sponsor will act as a sobriety support, and someone you can contact when you’re feeling tempted to use. They will discuss the situation with you, while holding you accountable for your actions. Locating a sponsor takes little more than asking.

Step 5 – Those looking to receive the full benefit of the program must utilize all of the available tools found therein. This includes, sponsors, meetings, phones, and of course, the 12 steps themselves. Those who attend meetings will be provided with contact information for others to call when the need arises. Use these contacts to help alleviate boredom and feelings of isolation that can commonly trigger the want to use.

Step 6 – Keep an open mind. Recovery is a life long struggle for many people. By opening yourself up to the recovery process in a positive manner, you stand the best chance for enjoying the happy, fulfilling and sober lifestyle you’re after.